Ear Plugs and Ear Muffs

The Fastener Factroy has a wide range of Ear Plugs and Ear Muffs the meet Australian Standards. The Fastener Factory has all your hearing protection needs covered.

It’s important to choose the right hearing protector for the right noise situation. Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, the class system is a simple way to select a hearing protector appropriate to a noise exposure. Once the noise level in the work area has been assessed by a noise level survey, the table below can be used to select the appropriate hearing protector to ensure the correct level of protection at the given frequency. Choosing a hearing protector with a higher SLC80 than required will reduce the effectiveness of warning signals, conversations and any other acoustic communications. Class SLC80dB For use in noise 1 10 – 13 Less than 90dB(A) 2 14 – 17 90 to less than 95dB(A) 3 18 – 21 95 to less than 100dB(A) 4 22 – 25 100 to less than 105dB(A) 5 26 & greater dB 105 to less than 110dB(A) Types of Hearing Protection Earplugs have the advantage of being able to be used with all other PPE items. Provided they are used correctly, they often exceed attenuation afforded by ear muffs. Corded versions for carrying around the neck and detectable plugs for use in the food industry are also available. Semi Aurals (banded earplugs) are ideal for supervisors and managers frequently moving in and out of noise hazardous areas, as they can be stored unobtrusively around the neck when not in use. Earmuffs are the traditional method of ear protection but the attenuation characteristics of each model need to be studied before a recommendation is made. Electronicearmuffs provide attenuation against loud noises but amplify weak external sounds such as speech. Comfort The more comfortable you feel the longer you will be able to protect your ears against noise levels, which will destroy healthy ‘inner parts of the ear’. It is one thing to test an ear defender for 20 seconds but another wearing it most of the day. Comfort is the key. There is little use throwing away a hearing protection device with a headache 20 minutes after putting it on. To cut it short, don’t just refer to attenuation sheets, check on clamp pressure as well. The lower the tension the more comfortable you feel.